Statewide assessment results for the 2021-22 school year reinforce the continuing need to provide additional supports and learning time to students in response to COVID-19 school building closures.

For English language arts, 42 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored at or above their grade’s proficiency level. In mathematics, 30 percent of students in grades 3-8 scored at or above their grade’s proficiency level. Although the percentage of students who scored proficient is higher than in 2020-21, making a direct comparison is not appropriate because of lower participation rates in 2020-21 due to COVID-19.

“Providing educational opportunities this summer has been a priority because we know students are continuing to recover from pandemic-related unfinished learning,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and our educators are committed to continuing to meet students where they are to provide them the supports and learning time they need to succeed.  Federal Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief funds (ESSER II and ESSER III) will allow for our schools and districts to use targeted interventions and institute system changes that address the needs of all students, especially those kids who need it most.”

For high school statewide assessment, Delaware uses the SAT, administered during the school day, generally in students’ 11^th grade year. In 2022, Delaware moved from a paper and pencil exam to an online assessment (grade 3-8 assessments previously were online). Statewide, 47 percent of students scored proficient or higher in the reading test, 24 percent in math and 38 percent on the essay portion.

In science, Delaware tests in grades 5, 8 and high school biology. The 2021-22 scores show 21 percent of fifth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders and 26 percent of high school biology students scoring proficient or higher.

Social studies is assessed in grades 4, 7 and 11. Statewide for 2021-22, 32 percent of fourth graders, 29 percent of seventh graders and 24 percent of 11^th graders scored at or above the proficient level.

Delaware administers an alternative assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The state moved to a new assessment model in 2022. Find more information on this assessment as well as the ACCESS English language proficiency assessment here.

Families received their student reports in the mail last month, providing valuable information on their children’s learning progress. Educators received the results a few weeks after the students tested.

 “These assessment results help everyone from the classroom educator to policymakers better understand student learning and needs, and they will provide important guidance to us as we plan how to best support our students in the new school year,” Holodick said.

Find full results, including demographic and district/charter information, here.

The Delaware Department of Education has named five Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Finalists’ applications now will move forward to the national level for final selection of the 2022 PAEMST Awardees.

The 2022 Delaware state finalists are:

Mathematics

• Jason Orlen, East Millsboro Elementary School, Indian River School District
• Michele (Missy) Snyder, Major George Welch Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District
• Allison Van Ness, Clayton Intermediate School, Smyrna School District

Science

• Maria Cobb, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Brandywine School District
• Jaime Swartz, John M Clayton Elementary School, Indian River School District

Find photos of the finalists here.

The goal of the PAEMST award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.  The award alternates between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.  Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects one awardee in each content area for every state. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, awardees take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Additionally, the 2021 DE state finalists also are awaiting final selection by the national panel. The 2021 DE state finalists who were announced last summer are:

• Katherine Hoffecker (mathematics), Odessa High School, Appoquinimink School District
• Tommie Polite (mathematics), Laurel Middle School, Laurel School District
• Michael Reitemeyer (mathematics), Las Americas ASPIRA Academy Charter School
• Corey Butterfield (science), George Read Middle School, Colonial School District
• Brian Heeney (science), Delcastle Technical High School, New Castle County Vo-Tech School District
• Erin Motley (science), Gunning Bedford Middle School, Colonial School District

The White House announcement of national awardees for both 2021 and 2022 are expected within the 2022 calendar year. Congratulations to all Delaware finalists!

For more information about PAEMST and to see nomination forms and application instructions, visit www.paemst.org.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

President Joe Biden has named two Delaware teachers recipients of the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Brandi Luloff of Townsend Elementary School in the Appoquinimink School District is the 2020 mathematics awardee.  Leona Williams of Forwood Elementary School in the Brandywine School District is the 2020 science awardee.

Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick congratulated both for this prestigious honor.

“Brandi and Leona’s students know first-hand how great teaching leads to great learning. I am pleased these teachers are getting this national recognition for the work they lead in their schools every day,” he said, noting he witnessed as Brandywine’s former superintendent how Williams connects STEM content to relevant topics and issues that impact students and their families. “It naturally increases student engagement and interest.”

Two other Delaware educators were honored as 2020 DE State Finalists:
●     Sara Bushey (mathematics), Lake Forest North Elementary School, Lake Forest School District
●     Sonia Saunders (science), Brandywine Springs School, Red Clay Consolidated School District

Delaware also has named six finalists for the 2021 award, which the national program has not yet decided.

The 2021 DE State Finalists are:
Mathematics
●     Katherine Hoffecker, Odessa High School, Appoquinimink School District
●     Tommie Polite, Laurel Middle School, Laurel School District
●     Michael Reitemeyer, Las Americas ASPIRA Academy
Science
●     Corey Butterfield, George Read Middle School, Colonial School District
●     Brian Heeney, Delcastle Technical High School, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District
●     Erin Motley, Gunning Bedford Middle School, Colonial School District

The goal of the PAEMST program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.  The award alternates between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.  Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects one awardee in each content area for every state. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, awardees take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

For more information about PAEMST and to see nomination forms and application instructions, visit www.paemst.org.

The new Outdoor Delaware online magazine, launched today, is the go-to guide to enjoy and learn about animals, nature, science, adventure, conservation and many other topics. It is produced by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Outdoor Delaware provides engaging articles, photos and videos for visitors to discover places to go, what can be seen and done there, and the countless ways to experience the beauty and wonder of the outside environment in Delaware.

“Outdoor Delaware is where nature comes alive,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “We are excited to offer this new way to enjoy our award-winning conservation magazine. More visitors to the site will be informed about Delaware’s natural resources and the many ways we work to protect them.”

In the inaugural issue, visitors will learn what a radiated tortoise is, why artificial reefs and electric vehicles are important, and how to play disc golf – accompanied by beautiful photographs and peppered with videos. The first issue also features articles on jellyfish to watch out for, kestrel banding, where recycling ends up, words of wisdom from a longtime hunter and much more.

Like the print version before it, Outdoor Delaware offers articles and photos, now available without a subscription. Visitors to the Outdoor Delaware site will also find articles posted on a frequent basis, not just four times per year.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov or Beth Shockley, elizabeth.shockley@delaware.gov.

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DOVER – Registration for the 2020 Delaware Wetlands Conference closes Wednesday, Jan. 22, so those who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so now, while spots are still available. Organized by DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship with support from the Division of Climate, Coastal & Energy, the conference will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. Online registration and information about the event can be found at http://de.gov/dewetlandsconference.

DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Delaware Coastal Training Program have planned a two-day event that showcases the importance of wetlands in Delaware and across the Mid-Atlantic Region. Each day of the conference includes invited speakers, poster sessions, networking time, lunches, and a total of 54 oral and 50 poster presentations. The presentations cover wetland topics related to coastal resilience, soils, beneficial use, monitoring and assessment, remediation, restoration, wildlife, policy/legal aspects, green technology, mitigation, and hydrodynamics.

More than 350 wetland experts and enthusiasts from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond are expected to gather at the biennial conference to share the latest innovations in wetland research, outreach and conservation programs. The conference brings together scientists, planners, community leaders, educators, and natural resource managers, as well as representatives from county, state and federal government. They will discuss current research on tidal and non-tidal wetlands, the value of the region’s wetlands, and the impact their management has on the community.

Featured speakers include special guest DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin to open the conference, Alison Rogerson from DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program, who will address mapping Delaware’s 2017 wetlands and the changes that occurred over a decade, and Derek Brockbank, Executive Director of the American Shoreline and Beach Preservation Association, who will address coastal sediment dynamics.

For more information on the 2020 Delaware Wetlands Conference, including the agenda, please visit Delaware Wetlands Conference, or contact Brittany Haywood at Brittany.Haywood@delaware.gov, or 302-739-9939.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

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